JDRF Walk?

[munchkingirl]

This might seem like a really really silly question but....... here it is anyways -

I've never done or even "visited" the walk for diabetes in my town and I'm going to do it this year for the first time.
But what I don't know is

- If you register do you have to raise support? How does it all really work?

I've looked it up on the jdrf website and can't seem to find any of those definite answers.

Sorry if this is a really stupid question.

[OSUMom]

Do you mean if you register do you have to donate? You could probably just show up and walk the Walk if you want. I guess it might depend on how they have the Walk set up at your location, but it's pretty open at Kings Island where we walk. We have people who walk on our team who do not register online. They come to walk and bring a check to turn in as a show of support, but don't officially "register". Does that answer your question? I suppose it could be in Spokane that they have more of an "entrance", but they don't where we walk. Anyone from Spokane?

No silly questions. :) No worries there! :D

[jules12]

This is what our JDRF person sent to me when I asked some of those same questions. Maybe it will help.

"To answer a few of your questions…our Walk is a 2-mile “stroll” around Truman Sports Complex with registration beginning at 8:00 and the Walk beginning at 9:00am. The Walk and all it’s festivities usually wraps up around noon, but people may leave whenever! Our Walk is a celebration of everyone’s fundraising efforts, there is food, activities for all ages (moon walks, small carnival rides, a DJ, face painters, etc.) Our Walk doesn’t require a registration fee, anyone can come and Walk. However, we encourage anyone who walks to raise $100 dollars."

[munchkingirl]

Thanks for your replies! They helped a lot!

I guess it's just a little bit of anxiety? I don't typically do things like this. It's really hard for me to ask anyone for money, even if it's for a great cause. And I also don't talk about diabetes very much to people either - I mean, I'll totally educate a mis-informed person or talk to people who ask. But never make a big enough of a deal about it that I'd feel comfortable asking people to donate to me walking.
So, I figure I'll just check it out this year and maybe become a little bit more comfortable?

Thanks again guys!

[darcimborcherding]

The best way to raise money is to send out a walk letter to your friends and family. We have done this the past two years and have been amazed at the money we have received. Your local JDRF will provide you with examples to get you started. You may want to also contact the family team chair for your walk (the JDRF can connect you with that person). The family team chair works with all of the family teams and helps them in their fundraising efforts. Good luck!!! Tell your story from the heart and you will be amazed at the success you will have!

Darci

[Carrie]

We're doing our first walk in a couple of weeks and felt the same way you do. I don't want to ask people for money!! I just wanted to walk and see/connect with other families. My sister's son also has Type 1, so we teamed up on our efforts (only...I'm stuck doing all of the work:rolleyes:). We decided to avoid family and send letters to local businesses. I composed a letter telling a little about the kids, what they do on a daily basis, and then went on to explain that we were walking. We just kindly asked if they would be willing to donate $50. And if they couldn't to please keep us in mind for next year. We put in a self-addressed envelope, and then left the ball in their court. I am hoping to raise at least $100. Try ten places. If only half responded with $50, that would be $250. Try it! :)

[BrendaK]

My mom and my sister do the ADA walk every year, they just donate themselves and never "raise" money. This year there is a walk in our city where we'll be moving, 2 weeks after we move. I'm going to walk with our family and just donate ourselves. I don't have time this year to move and raise money. Would hate to lose the money in the move ;). But I really want to walk and meet other families near our new house with type 1.